New Tariffs and Appliance Buying in 2025

If you're planning to buy new appliances in 2025, there's a major development you need to know about.

After months of speculation, the U.S. government has finalized a new wave of tariffs many of which directly affect the appliance industry.

Expect higher prices and fewer deals in the coming months.

As someone who regularly speaks with top industry leaders and analyzes real-world pricing trends, I’ll walk you through:

• How tariffs are affecting brands like LG, Bosch, and GE
• Which product categories are most vulnerable to price hikes
• When prices are expected to rise, and by how much
• How to shop strategically to avoid delays and overpaying

Whether you're remodeling, replacing a broken appliance, or planning a long-term project, in this second update we'll help you make the most informed decision possible.

Let’s break down what’s happening, and how to prepare.

Behind the Scenes in San Antonio

I’m in San Antonio as I write this, meeting with some notable appliance folks and larger appliance dealers.

The overriding question is: How will the tariffs affect the cost of appliances in the near and long-term future?

Normally, we can’t agree on anything.

But the prevailing opinion is that prices will stay stable until the third quarter.

Many manufacturers streamlined their supply chains after the pandemic. The industry still has more supply than demand.

However, eventually, steel and other components made overseas will increase costs.

So, later this year, and certainly by next year, you’ll likely see an impact.

Exactly when depends on how demand shifts.

The Nightmare You Want to Avoid

During those pandemic years, we would attempt service calls. The parts were unavailable.

So we would try to replace the unit.

Back then, the unit was unavailable too ... with no ETA.

Fun times.

Thankfully, we’re not in that predicament right now.

At least, not yet.

Tariffs in 2025: A Quick Breakdown

What You Need to Know About the New Costs Driving Appliance Prices Higher

Understanding the new tariffs is key to making a smart appliance purchase this year.

While some of these changes sound broad, they directly affect the materials and components that go into everything from your refrigerator to your washing machine.

Here’s what’s been announced so far:

• Universal Tariff: Starting April 5, 2025, a baseline 10 percent tariff applies to all imported goods entering the United States. This includes raw materials, components, and fully assembled appliances sourced from abroad.
• Reciprocal Tariffs: Beginning April 9, 2025, 57 countries will face additional tariffs. These rates vary and are based on existing trade deficits with the U.S., making imports from certain countries significantly more expensive.
• Automobile Tariffs: A 25 percent tariff on imported automobiles went into effect immediately on April 3, 2025. While this doesn’t directly impact home appliances, it signals a broader shift toward aggressive trade policy, and appliances are clearly part of the next wave.

Country-by-Country Tariff Rates

Which Nations Are Affected Most and What That Means for You

Now that we know tariffs are hitting imported goods, the next question is: Which countries are most affected?

The answer matters more than you might think. Many of the components in your appliances come from these nations, even if the final product is assembled elsewhere.

Here’s a breakdown of the new tariff rates for countries that make up more than 1% of U.S. appliance imports:

What this means for you:

If you're shopping for a brand that sources parts or assembles products in any of these countries, anticipate a price increase for those appliances by late 2025.

This is especially true for refrigeration systems, compressors, wiring harnesses, and control boards - all commonly manufactured in China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Mexico.

Are Appliance Prices Rising Already?

Recent Brand-by-Brand Price Hikes and What’s Coming Next

Over the past few months, nearly every major manufacturer has not so quietly raised prices, citing rising production costs, shifting supply chains, and economic uncertainty.

However, Bosch and Thermador have announced another round of price hikes set to begin on July 1 - pushing some of their models above the price point of longtime competitors like Sub-Zero and Wolf.

Here’s a snapshot of the latest increases:

What this means for you:

If you're planning to buy Bosch, Thermador, or any BSH brand, lock in your pricing soon.

Even if you don’t need the appliance right away, get a quote and monitor the pricing with a competent salesperson. 

Appliances That Will See the Biggest Price Jumps

Expect Major Increases in Ranges, Laundry, Grills, and Sinks

Not all appliances will be affected the same way. Products with complex parts or made mostly overseas are more at risk.

Here’s where you’re most likely to feel it:

Grills

If you're planning to upgrade your outdoor setup this summer, prepare for higher prices.

Weber is expected to raise prices by 15 percent or more, and premium brands like Hestan already implemented a 30 percent increase earlier this year.

Lynx followed suit with a similar hike last year, signaling that high-end grills are among the first to feel the impact of global cost increases.

Sinks

It’s not just major appliances. Even kitchen sinks are affected.

Most stainless-steel sinks are manufactured in Vietnam or China.

That puts basic fixtures like sinks directly in the path of cost increases, especially as supply chain adjustments lag behind.

What to Expect Through 2026

Price Increases, Product Shortages, and Fewer Promotions Ahead

As 2025 progresses, tariffs are beginning to ripple through the global supply chain, and most consumers will feel the effects by late Q3 into early 2026.

Prices Will Climb Gradually

With a 10% blanket tariff on all imports, and even steeper country-specific tariffs like 104% on China and 46% on Vietnam, most of the components that go into making appliances just got a lot more expensive.

We're talking steel, aluminum, compressors, wiring harnesses, electronic boards — all of it.

Even if the final assembly happens in the U.S., most parts are still sourced globally, especially from China, Korea, Thailand, and Mexico.

Expect price increases by Q3 or Q4, especially on SKUs with lots of imported parts like laundry and built-in refrigeration.

Supply Chain Shifts and Shortages

Short term? You probably won’t see excess stock or strange discounts.

Long term? Once tariffs hit, availability could tank, especially on niche models or anything with a complicated supply chain.

Expect more “discontinued due to sourcing” notices as brands rationalize product lines.

That’s not a bad thing, by the way. There were 104 Bosch dishwashers pre-pandemic; now there are just 52.

Fewer Promotions and Rebates

As production costs increase, promotional budgets are shrinking.

Buyers should expect:

• Fewer bundle incentives
• Smaller rebates
• Stricter eligibility (such as minimum unit purchases)

Smaller Brands Face Greater Risk

Import-heavy Chinese brands like Thor, ZLINE, Forno, and Cosmo may:

• Raise prices more aggressively
• Reduce support and availability
• Exit the market or merge with others

If you're shopping for these brands, check for pricing changes, and consider long-term service availability. 

Be careful.

Service and Parts Delays

With more parts being routed to new production, repair wait times may grow and replacement parts could become harder to source.

💡Pro Tip: If your appliance needs service - even for a minor issue - schedule it early to avoid delays and rising costs.

Manufacturers Move Production Closer to Home (Slowly)

To reduce risk and shipping costs, some brands are shifting manufacturing to the U.S.:

• Samsung is evaluating a move from Mexico to South Carolina for dryer production.
• LG may relocate refrigerator production to Tennessee.

These transitions take time, but they reflect a longer-term strategy to adapt to global trade shifts.

Silver Linings for Buyers in 2025

Interest Rates, Financing Options, and How to Shop Smarter

Before you rush to call your local appliance store in a panic, consider two key factors:

• Interest Rates: High-yield savings accounts are currently offering competitive interest rates, with some yielding around 4% to 5% Annual Percentage Yield (APY).
• Financing Options: Many retailers continue to offer 0% financing for 12 months on qualifying purchases. For instance, some appliance manufacturers provide financing options with rates as low as 0% APR through partnerships with financial services.

However, it's important to manage these financing options responsibly.

Missing a payment or failing to pay off the balance within the promotional period can result in deferred interest charges, with rates potentially as high as 28.99%.

💡Pro Tip: Always read the fine print of financing offers and set up reminders for payment due dates to avoid unexpected interest charges.

What Appliance Buying Looked Like Over the Past Five Years

From Pandemic Shortages to Overproduction: A Quick History

Appliance Buying from 2020 to 2022

During this period, the appliance industry faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manufacturers encountered widespread shortages, primarily because of disruptions in the supply chain and a scarcity of essential components like semiconductors.

These issues led to notable price increases and extended wait times for consumers seeking new appliances.

Appliance Buying from 2022 to 2025

In response to the earlier shortages and anticipating continued high demand, manufacturers increased production in 2023 and 2024.

However, this led to an overabundance of inventory as demand began to stabilize and taper.

Since then, the industry implemented extensive promotions, offering discounts typically reserved for Black Friday.

In fact, the prices now are the same as Black Friday 2023.

What Should You Do Now?

Smart Appliance Shopping Tips Based on Your Timeline and Budget

This question has become a bit of an obsession for someone I know - my Jiu-Jitsu teacher (they call them professors, no idea why) turned home developer.

He’s planning a remodel and keeps asking the same thing you might be wondering:

Should I buy now, or wait?

Here’s the advice I gave him, and it applies to just about anyone navigating the market right now:

For Short-Term Needs

If you’re replacing an appliance soon or starting a project in the next few months, it's a good idea to buy now.

You may be able to wait a little longer, but keep in mind that the next round of price hikes is scheduled for July 1 on certain brands.

For Long-Term Projects

Planning for a remodel later this year or early next?

Get quotes now and monitor prices closely. Speak to your salesperson and buy when he has confirmation of another price increase.

We usually have advance notice. You now know about Thermador price increases due July 1.

Be Careful Where You Buy

Not all retailers are equally prepared for ongoing supply issues.

Some smaller stores still struggle to hold inventory - and a few went out of business during the pandemic, taking customer deposits with them.

In 2022, Boston Appliances abruptly shut their doors, taking millions in deposits from customers.

💡Pro Tip: Before you place an order, always check recent reviews.

Google “[store name] delivery” and see what other customers are saying about timelines and reliability.

Always pay by credit card with smaller companies. Never cash or check.

Decision Matrix: When and What to Buy

Clear, Actionable Recommendations for Every Scenario